From Non-League to Championship: Wrexham's Unstoppable Journey

Explore Wrexham's incredible rise from non-league to the Championship, driven by Hollywood owners and a dedicated team.

The party at the Stok Cae Ras was in full swing on Saturday night as Wrexham sealed an unprecedented third successive promotion. Wycombe Wanderers' 1-0 loss to Leyton Orient earlier in the day paved the way for Phil Parkinson's side to open up an unassailable advantage over the chasing pack in League One if they could beat Charlton Athletic. It was an opportunity they grasped as Ollie Rathbone scored his eighth goal of the campaign before Sam Smith netted a brace to clinch an emphatic 3-0 win.

The Hollywood Connection

Working as a writer on comedy television series Mythic Quest, current Wrexham director Humphrey Ker became a close personal friend of the show's co-creator Rob McElhenney. The Philadelphia-born actor took an interest in football and, during the coronavirus pandemic, tasked Ker with assessing potential investment options. Hartlepool, Aldershot, Carlisle and Shamrock Rovers fans, look away now. They were among the clubs that were explored before Wrexham were chosen.

The Journey So Far

Wrexham have not finished below second place in the various divisions they have competed in any of their four seasons under Phil Parkinson, who was appointed as manager just five months after the takeover was finalised. Semi-final play-off heartache against Grimsby Town brought an abrupt end to an impressive debut campaign in north Wales for Parkinson in 2021-22. But the following season proved memorable as Wrexham clinched the National League title with a record 111 points to end a 15-year absence from the Football League.

Documentary Success

The 'Welcome to Wrexham' television documentary has been at the heart of the club's rise to global prominence over recent seasons. Season four is set to premiere in May and will detail the club's journey from League One to the Championship, with Wrexham becoming the first side in the top five divisions of English football to secure three successive promotions.

Future Prospects

Their squad size will rise from 22 players to 25, while matchday squads will feature nine substitutes as opposed to seven. It could, in theory, pave the way for Paul Mullin's return to the squad following his absence over the previous 13 games. Whatever striker Mullin's situation, it is clear there is further work to be done on the squad, as Parkinson will want to bring in more players of a higher calibre to bolster his side's Championship prospects.

The inevitable acquisitions will lead to an increased wage bill, with Ker recently suggesting Wrexham would need to quadruple their wage outgoings to be competitive in the Championship. Work is also due to commence on improving the iconic Kop Stand at their Stok Cae Ras home, while there are plans to develop a training ground and for expansion of facilities for the academy and women's side.

It all requires money - and lots of it. But on the plus side, the club are currently operating with a model most EFL clubs will envy. The £26.7m Wrexham made in revenue during their 2023-24 League Two season puts them just below the top Championship sides - who benefit from parachute payments - in terms of income. TV and sponsorship revenue will only increase in the Championship, so there is no doubt Wrexham are well placed at present. The next challenge is always the toughest, and the Championship is a different beast from what Wrexham have face over the past few years. But with such impressive alignment from top to bottom at the club, Wrexham know they are in a strong position to achieve their ultimate goal at some stage - whether it be next season or beyond.

What to Read Next

Sheffield Wednesday's Championship Survival: EFL Clears Season Start Amid Ownership Turmoil
Football

Sheffield Wednesday's Championship Survival: EFL Clears Season Start Amid Ownership Turmoil

The EFL confirms Sheffield Wednesday can begin their Championship campaign despite ongoing financial chaos, urging owner Dejphon Chansiri to resolve ownership uncertainty ahead of Leicester clash.

Inter Milan Eyes Onana Reunion and Premier League Transfer Buzz
Football

Inter Milan Eyes Onana Reunion and Premier League Transfer Buzz

Explore the latest football transfer updates, including Inter Milan's interest in re-signing Andre Onana and key moves in the Premier League.

Preston North End Secures Odel Offiah in a Major Transfer Deal
Football

Preston North End Secures Odel Offiah in a Major Transfer Deal

Preston North End strengthens their defense with the acquisition of Odel Offiah from Brighton & Hove Albion for a seven-figure fee.

Wrexham Bolsters Attack with Wales Forward Kieffer Moore
Football

Wrexham Bolsters Attack with Wales Forward Kieffer Moore

Wrexham strengthens their squad with the signing of Wales forward Kieffer Moore, aiming for a competitive edge in the Championship.

Bristol City Eyes Experienced Midfielder Vicky Losada for Free Transfer
Football

Bristol City Eyes Experienced Midfielder Vicky Losada for Free Transfer

Bristol City is in talks with former Brighton captain Vicky Losada for a potential free transfer, aiming to strengthen their squad with her extensive experience.

Scottish Giants Celtic and Rangers Vie for Monaco's Rising Star Kassoum Ouattara
Football

Scottish Giants Celtic and Rangers Vie for Monaco's Rising Star Kassoum Ouattara

Celtic and Rangers are competing to sign Monaco's promising left-back Kassoum Ouattara, with a £15m price tag. Explore the latest in football transfers.

Rangers Opt Against Postponement: St Mirren Clash to Proceed as Scheduled
Football

Rangers Opt Against Postponement: St Mirren Clash to Proceed as Scheduled

Rangers have decided not to postpone their match against St Mirren, ensuring the game proceeds as planned in the Scottish Premiership.

Lyon's Relegation Appeal Victory Impacts Crystal Palace's European Ambitions
Football

Lyon's Relegation Appeal Victory Impacts Crystal Palace's European Ambitions

Lyon's successful appeal against relegation could affect Crystal Palace's chances in the Europa League, highlighting UEFA's multi-club ownership rules.

Bournemouth Secures Chelsea's Star Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic in a £25m Deal
Football

Bournemouth Secures Chelsea's Star Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic in a £25m Deal

Bournemouth has signed Chelsea's goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic for £25m, marking a significant boost to their squad ahead of the new season.

Brandon Williams Aims to Rebuild His Football Career at Hull City After Learning from Past Mistakes
Football

Brandon Williams Aims to Rebuild His Football Career at Hull City After Learning from Past Mistakes

Brandon Williams reflects on his past mistakes and focuses on rebuilding his football career with Hull City after a challenging period away from the game.

Charlton Athletic: The Rise of a Football Giant Reawakening
Football

Charlton Athletic: The Rise of a Football Giant Reawakening

Charlton Athletic is showing signs of resurgence under Nathan Jones, with new signings and a strong fanbase, aiming for a successful season in the Championship.

Premier League Transfer Battle Heats Up: Calvert-Lewin, Kolo Muani, and More in High Demand
Football

Premier League Transfer Battle Heats Up: Calvert-Lewin, Kolo Muani, and More in High Demand

The Premier League transfer window is buzzing with Aston Villa, Manchester United, and other top clubs vying for star players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Randal Kolo Muani.

Championship Showdown: Key Matchups and Storylines to Watch This Season
Football

Championship Showdown: Key Matchups and Storylines to Watch This Season

Explore the key matchups and storylines as the Championship returns, featuring Birmingham City, Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and more.

Manchester United Secures Swedish Midfield Star Julia Zigiotti Olme from Bayern Munich
Football

Manchester United Secures Swedish Midfield Star Julia Zigiotti Olme from Bayern Munich

Manchester United announces the signing of Swedish midfielder Julia Zigiotti Olme from Bayern Munich, enhancing their squad for the upcoming Women's Super League season.

Manchester United's Transfer Strategy: Wharton, De Gea, and More - Latest Football Gossip
Football

Manchester United's Transfer Strategy: Wharton, De Gea, and More - Latest Football Gossip

Explore the latest football gossip as Manchester United considers moves for Adam Wharton and David de Gea, while other clubs make strategic transfers.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.